Sustainable Cement and Concrete

The Sustainable Cement and Concrete Centre specialises in low-carbon cement and sustainable concrete development. We combine cutting-edge research, novel mix design, advanced materials testing and characterisation, along with expert consultancy to help industry deliver durable, high-performance materials and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Sustainable Cement and Concrete

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

We use our capabilities in materials science, new product development, process optimisation and materials testing and characterisation to solve the toughest cement and concrete challenges and to:

  • Develop low-carbon and alternative binders for sustainable construction
  • Create high-performance, durable concrete with reduced embodied carbon
  • Optimise cement and concrete production processes for energy and resource efficiency
  • Support industry in meeting net zero and green cement production objectives
  • Valorise industrial products for cement and concrete applications

We support clients through the full innovation cycle, accelerating research and development from laboratory to pilot scale. By leveraging our experts and facilities, we help speed up the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

WHAT WE DO

Novel Cement and Concrete Development

We design, mix, cure and test a wide range of innovative cement and concrete formulations, including low-carbon cements, supplementary cementitious materials and circular aggregates. Our in-house capabilities allow us to:

  • Trial multiple mix designs under controlled conditions
  • Evaluate engineering and durability properties
  • Optimise performance for specific structural and environmental requirements

Testing and Characterisation
Our laboratories provide comprehensive cement and concrete testing services, working closely with our Advanced Materials Characterisation Centre to deliver tailored solutions. Capabilities include:

  • Physical and mechanical testing (strength, density, workability)
  • Durability testing (chloride ingress, natural carbonation, sulphate attack and more)
  • Chemical analysis and mineralogical characterisation of binders and aggregates

These services support product development, quality control and compliance with relevant standards.

Materials Processing

We offer materials processing for cement and concrete research and production, including:

  • Particle size reduction and homogenisation (jaw crusher, ball mill, pan mixers)
  • Recovery of high-quality recycled aggregates from demolished concrete
  • Pre-processing of materials for use in new sustainable concrete formulations

This enables practical circular economy solutions and higher substitution rates of recycled materials.

Consultancy

Our experts provide cement and concrete consultancy to:

  • Design and interpret test programmes
  • Troubleshoot materials and durability issues
  • Accelerate R&D for low-carbon construction materials
  • Support clients in meeting sustainability, certification and performance targets

Project Management

We offer tailored project management support from concept to completion:

  • Defining technical scope and objectives
  • Coordinating partners and resources
  • Managing risks, timelines and budgets
  • Delivering clear, actionable outcomes and implementation plans

CONTACT

To learn more about the Sustainable Cement and Concrete Centre or to discuss a project or collaboration, please email info@mpiuk.com.